Between Us - Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Auxiliary
Between Us
The Healing Garden
November 2014
Vol. 61
Issue 11
President’s Message 2014
October was another busy month. It started out with a delicious Summer Barbeque on October 1.
Not only did we enjoy a yummy lunch and get an "ouchy" flu shot, we also received a very nice
gift from the hospital. To celebrate our recent recognition as a best regional hospital by U.S. News
and World Report, the Administration gave a free gift to all employees and volunteers. There were
2 choices: a nice T-shirt or a lunch cooler bag. I got the lunch cooler bag and I love it. It is very
handy for carrying food around in hot weather. Thank you to Craig Leach and Sally Eberhard for
the gift and for always including our volunteers.
Schola Tsai
I had an opportunity to participate in a new patient video that was filmed recently. Did you know
that for each 2 seconds shot on film it takes about 2-3 hours in real time to film those few seconds?
There were lots of changes in the scripts, lighting, sound, and the equipment was adjusted throughout.
I did finally get my 0.5 seconds of "fame" after waiting for 4 hours. All in all it was an interesting experience
and I will now appreciate movies even more since I know how long it takes and how difficult it is to shoot a movie.
On October 8, I participated in the Day in the Life #3. It was fun and exciting to see different scenarios played out
throughout the day. It was kind of strange seeing so many "visitors" and "patients" that I know personally. I really
enjoyed this "once in a lifetime” opportunity.
Lots of volunteers came out to support the Marie Callender’s fund raising event on October 16. Many of you enjoyed
breakfast, lunch or dinner that day. What a great way to take a break from regular daily cooking and enjoy great food
and friendship.
I am looking forward to the Gift Shop Fashion Show Luncheon on October 30. You will be able to buy all the
fashions in the Gift Shop. I know that Nina Angeloni and Judy Sipes will put on a good show for all of us.
Thanks to the nominating committee for their hard work filling the 2015 Auxiliary Board. If you are invited to be on
the board, please consider this wonderful opportunity to support the Auxiliary. With new people come new ideas and
with new ideas we grow. We have a lot of talented people in our Auxiliary. If you are interested in being a board
member, let us know.
Schola Tsai
Save The Date
Holiday Festival
December 2 - 7, 2014
Past Presidents Luncheon & General Meeting
December 12, 2014
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
From the Director’s Desk
Mary Matson
Thanksgiving. There are many uses of the term, most notably to connote the traditional
holiday we will celebrate at the end of the month. But for me, as I write this in
late-October, it literally means “giving thanks”. Thinking back over the last few
months as you have attended Lundquist Tower orientation, taken or led tours, attended
training sessions, participated in Day in the Life, helped train new volunteers, kept up
with my informational emails, and simply bearing with all the changes swirling around
us – for all of this I give my thanks. I have mentioned to some of you that I see these
acts truly as gifts from you to Torrance Memorial, Volunteer Services, and to me
personally. You have said “yes” to so many things and we graciously accept and say
“thank you!”
So here we are in the home stretch of opening the Lundquist Tower. Hospital
departments will start their move-in process the week before patient move day, upon
which we will move all designated patients (approximately 150) in a methodical
process beginning in the morning and finishing by early evening. If you would like to
help with any of these remaining tasks, please contact the Volunteer Services office:
Patient Move Day (transport team, visitor management, corridor monitors, unit-based
volunteers), temporary Wayfinding volunteers, take an ongoing or interim position in the
Lundquist Tower, or train as a substitute in a new service area.
Mary Matson
I would like to take this opportunity to express special thanks to our gift shop volunteers, managers, and
leadership team, for accepting and implementing a new point-of-sale system while setting up a new gift shop
and working through the overall changes referenced above. We will all benefit from your hard work,
especially each time we shop in either of our wonderful gift shops!
Thank you, volunteers, for being a member of the Torrance Memorial family at such a significant moment
in our history. I wish you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving and hope you look back on your efforts as
fulfilling and rewarding. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary
Greeter Chair Gail Long in September, 2010.
Mary Matson in October, 2014
Page 3
Between Us
Annual BBQ
The Annual staff, volunteer, and physician BBQ in October was a chance to enjoy a delicious meal, hear
some great music, get our flu shot, and celebrate our hard work with some fun.
Condolence
Our sincere love and condolences go to Dean Martin on the passing of
his beloved wife, Ann McGavin. Ann joined our program in 2012 as
a Pet Visitation volunteer.
Ann McGavin, Ruth Velasco and
Dean Martin.
Day in the Life
Lundquist Tower
On October 8, Torrance Memorial conducted Day in the Life #3 to continue to prepare for patient care in the
Lundquist Tower. Many volunteers participated in their actual volunteer role or as mock patients to help staff
train. We are ready for patient move day!
Page 4
Between Us
Nominating Committee News
The Auxiliary Nominating Committee will be
submitting the following nominees as the slate of
elected officers for the Auxiliary Board of Directors
in 2015:
President Elect
1st Vice President Hospital Services
2nd Vice President Membership
Secretary
Treasurer
David Sato
Irene Goldman
Patrice Cullen
Carla Zanino
Kristine Douglas
In accordance with the bylaws of the Auxiliary, the
office of President will be filled by the current
President Elect, Beth Zager. Any nomination from
the general membership must be received by the
Nominating Committee in writing no later than
November 7, 2014. The election of officers will take
place at the general meeting and lunch in December.
Beth Zager - Chair, Joan Anderson, Gail Long,
Jeanie McAulay & Valerie Punzal
Nominating Committee
KINDNESS KORNER
I was escorting a family member from
Day Surgery Recovery to PACU, doing
my best to reassure this very nice
lady who spoke Japanese that her husband was doing
well. I was attempting to get her to understand the
transfer to the main recovery room was due to
space limitations. It became apparent that I was not
succeeding in mitigating her anxiety about what was
going on. I didn't know what to do. At that very
moment, this very kind visitor approached her
and pulled out her smart phone. She located an
app on her phone and immediately started
speaking Japanese to the lady. Instantly, this little
lady who was so distraught began to calm down
and feel comfortable with the situation at hand. It
was truly a special moment to see a bystander
instinctively come to the aid of someone she didn't
know but wanted to help! It is a reminder to everyone
to be aware that there may be a time in our future
when someone near us could use our help.
Eleanor Knox
Day Surgery
From the Gift Shop
Treats! Treats! Treats!
October ended with the annual
Fashion Show Luncheon with
models adorned by the fashions
from our gift shop. It was festive
and spooky - truly a treat! Thanks
to all of our guests and, of course,
our vibrant models. They did a great job
of strutting their stuff!
Halloween came the day after the fashion show and
we celebrated with tricks and treats. We hope you all
had a chance to come by to visit and make those last
minute Halloween goodie purchases.
The Lundquist Tower Open House on November 1st
was the first chance to see our new Gift Shop, another
BIG treat. It was open for business. It was an exciting
day! If you did not have a chance to attend, you will
be able to visit when the shop opens officially on
November 16th. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the hard
work of your Gift Shop Volunteers. They've helped
create a beautiful space.
Monday, November 3rd ironically was treat #3! The
Gift Shop is holding an Opportunity Drawing. Ticket
price is $1or 6 tickets for $5. Treat yourself to a
chance to win a beautiful holiday décor piece! Tickets
will be available until Tuesday, November 23rd and
the winning tickets will be drawn in the afternoon on
that day.
We wish you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.
We are always thankful for your support! If you need
something new and different to decorate your table,
we hope you'll consider your gift shop as a choice to
do your shopping.
Jeannine Frandsen
Spirit White
Co-Manager
Co-Manager
Page 5
Between Us
November Birthdays
The following volunteers have birthdays in November. During their birthday month, active
volunteers receive a 20 percent discount in the Gift Shop. You only receive the discount once
during your birthday month. So, stop and buy yourself something special. If you have a
birthday in November and do not see your name listed, please contact the Volunteer Services
department.
November
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* Mary Toomey
Bria Lloyd
Sandra Glick
Ramona Santoro
Yoon Merrill
* Takeko Oda
Joan Kolic
JoAnn Sasada
* Arlene Ball
Robert Lowe
Kathy Cox
Darlene Stewart
Nancy Yim
Katarina Phelps
Barbara Smith
* David Fa'atagi
* Myra Nadler
* An Phan
12 Tina Trudnowski
12 Martha Peck
12 Verne Palmer
13 Shirley Sylvester
13 Sandy Mismith
14 * Jodi Aguilar
14 Kimberly Hurtado-Ibarra
15 Carina Madrigal
15 Bernie Slotnick
16 Mary Croes
16 * Alice Steinkamp
16 Cora Fujimoto
16 Ruth Rendon
16 Nadine Koerner
16 Gerry Murray
16 June Leach
17 Grecia Ocegueda
17 Michael Aust
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Dorothy Newkirk
Roseanne DiMarco-Burnham
Janet Mock
* Pua Rabut
Victoria Nagy
* Angela Delgado
Gloria Huber
Terry Larsen
* Vonetta Augustine
* Dorothy Kusano
Bob Frazier
Thomas Magliano
Bea Mantico
Cyvanna Garcia
Geetha Rao
* Diane Polischeck
Colleen Teles
* John Gannon
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Stephanie Higa
Leora Schwarzberg
Renee Rodson
* Bernadette Walker
* Mila Ventura
* Jason Ahn
Kathryn Miller
Ryan Schell
Ida Lappen
Allison Sponaugle
Karla Barahona
* Steve Cooper
Kimberley Herman
Scott Ruderman
Netta Laffitte
Lois Davis
*Inactive Volunteers
Thank You
Dear Friends,
After I received the lovely flowers, I had a happy heart. It is wonderful to have good friends. I also
loved the note from Joanne Shultz. She truly is sunshine!
Thank you.
Joan Anderson
Dear Volunteer Office Staff & Volunteers,
Thank you so much for all of your kind words and expressions of sympathy. Joe really loved his twenty years
of volunteering! He had a multitude of friends but his hospital friends were right at the top of the list.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Thompson
Dear Volunteers & Volunteer Staff,
Thank you so much for the beautiful azalea plant you sent in memory of my longtime
boyfriend, Jim. I am proud to be a Torrance Memorial Medical Center Volunteer and will
remember your kindness as I watch the Azalea grow.
Sincerely,
Gayle Freige
Page 6
Between Us
Marie Callenders Fundraiser Recap
There was a great crowd of volunteers with family and friends that participated in our fundraiser at Marie
Callenders on Thursday, October 16th. The volunteer office staff had a table and Margaret Johnston also had a
large table of guests. Everyone was in a great mood and smiles were coming from everyone. After all, who can
resist a great piece of pie a la mode? It's the perfect end to a great meal, which everyone seemed to enjoy. Many
thanks to everyone that participated in this year’s Marie Callenders fundraiser, and the fundraisers throughout
the year.
Hospital Services - September 2014
Irene Goldman, V.P., Hospital Services
Total Services Below:
Volunteer Hours: 14,373
Baby Photos - 296; 170 Photos Taken; Bingo - 4 Sessions: 456 Participants;
Knitting/Crochet - 49 Items; Pet Visitation - 125 Visitation Hours; 25 Visits;
Clowns - n/a Visits:
Sewing Group - 65 Items
Page 7
Between Us
Trip to Laughlin
The Laughlin trip was a great success. Everyone seemed to enjoy their time there. Some people enjoyed
the Four Lads and Four Aces show, others shopped to their hearts content at the mall and many hit the
slots. Thanks to everyone for coming. A special thank you to Margaret Johnston for all her work. I was just
along for the ride. A big shout out and thank you to Margaret's Britannia club for their participation.
Irene Goldman
Vice President Hospital Services
Thank You!
Hello to all my friends in the Volunteer Office,
Thank you so much for sending that beautiful Begonia plant in Molly's memory. It was a
real privilege to volunteer with my girl for the past nine years. We both loved it, and I have
such wonderful memories! I also appreciated kind emails from many of you. You are all like my second
family and knowing that you care made losing Molly a little easier. As soon as I can get another dog who
would be appropriate for the program, I will be back! I miss each one of you and love you dearly.
Love.
Linda Zelik
Dear Volunteer Office and Auxiliary,
Thank you for the flowers that were delivered to me while I was in the hospital. The smiles and faces of the
volunteers brought me much cheer.
Love,
Dorothy Newkirk
Dear Auxiliary and Volunteer Family,
Thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement. Your caring thoughts and wishes will help to speed my
recovery. I appreciate the many years of friendship and look forward to my return in our beautiful new
facility.
Fondly,
Ronnie Friedman
Thank you so much to the Knitting Group for the light green afghan. I found myself last Friday in the hospital
without a sweater. A volunteer noticed so she went and got the afghan for me. It was put to good use.
Lois Meyer
Volunteer
Auxiliary
3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
Return Service Requested
November 2014
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THURS
FRI
SAT
1
2
3
4
Luminaries Meeting;
6 p.m - HCC 1
Bingo 2 p.m. - Media Svcs
9
10
17
12
11
7
8
14
15
21
22
28
29
Sewing, 9 a.m. , HCC 4
13
Bingo 2 p.m. - Media Svcs
Auxiliary Board
Meeting: 9:30 a.m.,
WT– Room D
16
6
5
19
18
Bingo 2 p.m. - Media Svcs
20
Novas Meeting, 6 p.m.;
HCC 1&2
Clown Mtg: 9:30 a.m. WT-C
Sewing, 9 a.m. , HCC 4
Auxiliary Bake Sale
Yang and Helena’s
Café
23
24
Newsletter
Copying
25
26
Newsletter Folding
Bingo 2 p.m. - Media Svcs
30
27